Free MIDNIGHT CAPTIVE: Book 2 of the Bonded By Blood Vampire Chronicles by [email protected], Gina Henderson Page B

of the abuse she had suffered at the hands of her dead husband Ian, and she winced from the old wound. So much time had passed since she allowed herself to recall the memories, she did not think about them resurfacing in the act of Broderick’s feeding.
    “I tried to keep you from seeing and experiencing what transferred through your blood,” he rasped, grief abrading his voice.
    “You did , my love.” She stroked his hair and hugged him tight for reassurance. “I just now allowed myself to remember the past, but that was my doing.” She pulled back to gaze into his eyes. “You have given me so much joy over the years, I am happy to say I had forgotten the past.” She smiled. “Thank you for such a gift.”
    “’Tis your gift I hold in sharing your blood. The gift of your life, your sweet childhood memories, and understanding the true depth of the love you hold for me in your heart.”
    The corner of Davina’s mouth tugged as she resisted smiling at her beloved, and she pushed a rebellious strand of hair from his cheek. “Are you aware that you wax very poetic when you are melancholy?”
    Broderick grinned and smacked her bare bottom, causing his wife to yelp and giggle. “Do I, now?” His delicious rumble of laughter vibrated between them and Davina squealed as they fell backward onto the bed.
    Her husband slanted his mouth over hers, chuckling, and Davina tingled at the coppery taste of her blood, her face flushing with the forbidden pleasure. Broderick swelled inside her and rocked his hips to another rhythmic dance of lovemaking that carried them into the night.
    * * * * *
     
    After a solid night’s sleep and a hearty breakfast in the castle kitchens, James set off with Ranald and Will to the house in Leith. He halted as he opened the door to the cottage. Alistair sat by the hearth—head down, as if sleeping. “Wait outside for me, lads,” James instructed Will and Ranald. They both eyed Alistair, hesitating, only doing as James asked when he nodded, indicating all was well. They settled outside and he closed the front door.
    Alistair started in the chair, cast weary eyes around the room and stumbled to his feet when his eyes landed on his son. “Well, ’tis right friendly of you to finally come home,” he slurred, hands fumbling about his person to seemingly make his appearance presentable.
    “The same can be said of you.” James avoided his father’s gaze, clenching his jaw as he picked around the cottage, gathering his belongings. Since his return, he had not spent much time unpacking or getting settled in…and he was glad for it.
    Alistair stood in the center of the front living area, blocking James from taking his saddlebags to the door. “You only just arrived.”
    “And now I’m leaving.” James stepped around his father. Placing his bags along the wall, he navigated past Alistair to his room to fill his satchel with the last of his clothing.
    Alistair waited in the doorway to the small chamber. “Where are you going?”
    Not taking his eyes from packing, James said, “Staying with the MacDougals. Broderick will be out of town for a few days, so I will be looking after his family.”
    The silence from his father unnerved him, so he chanced a glance in Alistair’s direction. Eyes blood-shot and glassy with unshed tears, he regarded James with a trace of joy…perhaps even hope. “How have you been, lad?”
    He shook his head in disbelief. “You ask me this now. After you disappeared for almost eight years. Only now do you finally care about my wellbeing.” He faced his father and curled his hands into fists to quell his anger.
    Alistair stuck his chest out and gripped the door frame. “I have been a good father to you and if you’ll let me explain myself, you’ll understand why I left and why I’m back here to help you. I—”
    James stood nose-to-nose with Alistair. “A good father? You left without a word. You drowned yourself in drink and then disappeared! How is that